Mattress Fire Fatal To Smoker

A South Side man died late Tuesday night after he apparently dropped a lighted cigarette in his bed and started a fire in his apartment in a building for senior citizens.

The dead man was identified as Edward Johnson, 59, who lived in a third-floor apartment at 5330 S. Harper Ave. Police arson unit detectives said the fire apparently smoldered for some time in the mattress, causing a great deal of smoke.

Johnson was found on the floor of the kitchen, according to police. Fire department spokesman Jerry Lawrence said smoke detectors in the seven-story building alerted other residents, who either escaped or remained in their apartments until firefighters could lead them to safety. The fire was confined to Johnson`s apartment.

In another mattress fire late Tuesday night, two firefighters were injured when a rush of air came through a broken window and caused a blaze to flare up in a second-floor apartment of a building at 1859 N. Elston Ave.

Firefighter John Boyle suffered burns to his forehead and Firefighter Gerard Rodriguez was treated for first- and second-degree burns to both ears. Several hours later, firemen were called back to the apartment when sparks in the ceiling started another fire, and Lt. Robert Walter stepped on a nail and punctured his foot. The three were released after being treated at St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center.

Three other firefighters also were injured late Tuesday night while battling a blaze in a two-story frame house at 7242 S. Peoria St., which authorities said may have been set by an arsonist.

Capt. Roger Stillman injured his back when he fell down icy stairs. Lt. Malichi Fylisk suffered second degree burns to his neck and Firefighter Robert Daley was treated for an ankle injury. The three were released after being treated at Little Company of Mary Hospital, Evergreen Park.